"April was a busy month for all with Songkran holidays and a number of events being held by the Chamber. Last week the Chamber hosted a lunch for the South Australian Minister for Investment and Trade. The Minister shared his insights into the South Australian Government’s plan to promote greater business engagement throughout the region and announced that he would be returning later this year with the South Australian Premier and a business delegation. Following this, the South Australian government intends to invite a delegation of Thai business representatives to visit South Australia early in 2016. We look forward to the opportunity created by increased bilateral business engagement and will keep you updated on details as they are confirmed.

The Chamber also recently ran the annual AustCham Anzac tour and in this month’s issue of Advance we are privileged to share an article by Barry Petersen who reflects on Anzac Day from his perspective as a career Army officer and veteran. It is essential reading.

This issue of Advance also marks a return to a monthly publishing cycle and the start of a process to refresh Advance which will feature more articles about and by members in addition to articles specific to your business interests. In this issue we have included an update on online options for 90 Day Reporting plus an article on the recent popular presentation on Vocational Education and Training by BlueScope. If you have any suggestions about articles or would like to submit an article about a business issue or achievement, I would like to hear from you! "

Alex Cullum

Executive Director

Member Briefing: “What Got Us Here, Won’t Get Them There” by APMGroup’s James Engel prior to May Sundowners

Thailand business is at a crossroads. The world beyond AEC 2015 looms as both an opportunity and a threat to Thai Leaders. Thai organizations don’t have enough next generation leaders to meet future demands and current leadership development methods do not produce good enough leaders fast enough.

AustCham invites members and friends to celebrate the achievements of all workers during the National Labour Day period and join May Sundowners to meet, network and exchange views. This month’s Sundowners will be hosted by the Amari Watergate Bangkok which is located in the heart of the vibrant Pratunam neighbourhood. A shuttle bus service will be provided from the Rajthevi BTS station.

AustCham would like to invite members and friends to join this month’s Eastern Seaboard business networking function hosted by AMCHAM. It is a great opportunity for members and guests of the Chamber to meet, network and exchange views with our friends from the American Chamber (AMCHAM), British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT), German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC), South African Chamber (SATCC) and The Belgian-Luxembourg/Thai Chamber of Commerce (BeluThai).

AustCham is delighted to invite members and friends to join The 14th Volvo Truck & Bus Thailand Convoy for Kids Charity Golf. The event will be held at Laem Chabang International Country Club, Sri Racha.

Nominations are now open for the Australian Alumni Awards 2015. These prestigious awards recognise the significant achievements of Alumni members who have graduated from any Australian University or other Australian institute of higher learning and whose endeavours reflect the best of Australian education and Australian Alumni.

ANZAC Day holds a differing significance for different Australians and New Zealanders. The significance can change throughout one’s life. As a boy scout I attended the ANZAC Day Commemorative Services at the cenotaph in Sarina, the town where I was born.

This year’s annual AustCham Anzac Day bus tour to Kanchanaburi and Hellfire Pass was enjoyed by a full coach load of participants keen to take part in the 100th Anniversary commemoration of the landing at Gallipoli.

I’ve long held in great importance the concept of helping clients make sure their affairs are in order should anything happen to them. The right planning can ensure loved ones do not have to deal with financial complications during times of emotional distress.

When you're feeling overworked, overwhelmed and overextended, as we so often do these days, you may find yourself avoiding certain tasks, putting off a difficult conversation, or maybe even ignoring important priorities.

That's one way to read the fate of 51 economies (including the euro area) this year, based on Bloomberg calculations of what's known as the "misery index." Inflation and unemployment, two factors that make consumers unhappy, are remarkably low in the 15 countries shown below, according to economists surveyed by Bloomberg News.

In association with Aust Cham and in accordance with a Grant from AustTrade as part of the Asian Business Engagement Plan , Bluescope (Thailand) Limited delivered an informative presentation regarding their Vocational Educational Skills & Training Programme.

This report demonstrates that by 2030, services can become Australia’s number one export to Asia in terms of total value added, in the process supporting a million Australian jobs. This can be achieved by closing just half of the gap between our level of services engagement with our Asian regional neighbours and our traditional Western trading partners.

Asia Internship Programme originally started as a concept to serve the growing demand of students needing value added and meaningful internships in Southeast Asia. Over the course of 2014 we have seen this concept grow and evolve into ‘the leading social enterprise in the field of education and internship throughout Southeast Asia’. Known as AIP Global Ltd.

Allianz Ayudhya Assurance Pcl. (AZAY) is established since 1951. With its 62 years of experience and a partnership with the German top financial institute, Allianz Group and Bank of Ayudhya Group, the Company has become the largest Thai-German life insurance company with more than 1.4 million policies under attentive care of 12 service centers and more than 267 agency offices nationwide.